New location and new features!
I’ve upgraded the backend software of this blog and moved things around a bit. No longer can you find new posts at the old http://blognick.maritimers.ca, but now you can find them here (http://maritimers.ca)
I’ve also added the ability to connect to your Facebook account so you can comment or like posts without needing to register an account on this website. I have no access to any of your FB information, so there’s no worry about anyone getting to something you wish they wouldn’t.
So feel free to interact with me. I hope that this will encourage discussion and help me connect with you!
Faith Without Works – Sermon June 20, 2010
“Faith Without Works”
Galatians 3:10-29
We continue our journey this week through the book of Galatians. The letter, we have discovered, is written by a ticked off Paul who is upset with how the leaders in the church are coming into Galatia and trying to get the people there to change their ways if they want to be considered as Christians. These leaders expect the Galatians to start following certain laws which they think are important in being followers of Jesus Christ. Paul disagrees.
Paul begins the third chapter with bringing the Galatians back to what started it all in the first place. Where did they get their faith? What brought the Holy Spirit in amongst them? Was it of their own actions? Was it there ability to follow rules? Or was it simply listening to what they heard? read more…
Turn To Return – Wilson United Anniversary Service, June 13, 2010
“Turn to Return”
Jeremiah 4:1-4; Mark 8:31-9:1
First of all, thank you for inviting me to be part of your celebration of ministry here tonight. To share in the leadership of this service with Godsent has been something I’ve been looking forward to since I was first asked. They have a wonderful gift to share, and I’m glad they work so hard at coming together to sing God’s praises with people all over the region.
I also find it a bit interesting that you’ve invited me out here tonight. I guess you couldn’t wait a few more weeks when we begin to have our combined services for the summer and you’ll have to hear me every couple of weeks. read more…
Struggle – Sermon, June 13, 2010
“Struggle”
Galatians 2:11-21
This week we continue through the book of Galatians. Last week we learned Paul was rather ticked off when he wrote to the church in Galatia. He was ticked off because it seems there are people coming into Galatia who are trying to convince the Galatian church to take on certain aspects of Jewish law which Paul feels is not right.
This week we see how Paul explains his calling in regards to who he is supposed to reach out to compared to Peter. He believes they have both been entrusted with the Gospel message, but God has called them to evangelize to different people. Peter is called to preach to the Jews and Paul has been called to preach to the Gentiles. Paul has no problems with that, he knows the Gospel is for all people. Circumcised or not, the Gospel of Jesus Christ does not discriminate. read more…
Galatians and the Church – Sermon, June 6, 2010
“Galatians and the Church”
Galatians 1:11-24
Over the next few weeks we’re going to be focusing on the book of Galatians. It comes up in the lectionary at this time every three years. This year I decided we would make it our primary focus, and in a way it’s very fitting for us to listen to these days.
The United Church of Canada was founded 85 years ago. Discussions began in the late 19th century between several denominations within Canada. Most notably the Presbyterians, Methodists and the Congregationalist churches.
For several decades the topic was debated until finally they found enough common ground to go ahead with uniting the various denominations. They drafted the Basis of Union, organized the governance structure and celebrated 85 years ago this week the birth of the United Church of Canada.
From each denomination we have brought in various traits. Yet even in many communities, there is still a bit of left-over residue where their style of worship has hints of the founding group of the particular church or community. read more…